Fish Hooks!

This is coolbert:

Another example of how somethings in war never change.

When, in around 700 B.C., the Assyrians invaded and conquered the northern part of Israel, they led ten of the tribes of Israel away into captivity. An interesting method was used to control the prisoners. The prisoners of the ten tribes were first tied. Then fish hooks were placed through their lips and the hooks tied together so all the prisoners were tied in a group. Then the prisoners were led away into captivity, never to be heard from again.

Now, move forward to the mid-1960's.

Fighting along side the American forces in Vietnam were tribesmen of Chinese ethnic background, called Nungs. These Nungs had a warrior tradition and were recruited by the U.S. as mercenaries for special missions. Most were used in what was called Studies and Observation Group [SOG]. To conduct long range recon patrols [LRRP] into territory which was denied to U.S. forces. This would include North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Areas where U.S. forces were prohibited from operating. But the Nungs could. And did so quite successfully.

And from time to time the Nungs, as part of their missions, would capture enemy prisoners. And had a special way of restraining them. Would take an awl and bore a hole through the prisoners cheek into the mouth. Would then run a wire loop of wire through the hole and out the mouth. Would then tie the loop of wire to a rope and lead the prisoner along in this method! Little chance of escape from the prisoner restrained in this manner!

Now, the Nungs were also employed in another special manner.

In Vietnam there were units of Nungs, a large company sized unit [300 men], called "Mike" forces. "Mike" forces were specifically chosen, trained, and armed for a special mission on command. This would be to rescue Americans that found themselves trapped in an impossible situation. On request, the Nungs would be air lifted into the dangerous area and attack, rescuing the trapped Americans. To read further about the Nungs, click here, and here. These Nungs employed in the "Mike" forces were chosen personally by General Mike Healey. Hence the name "Mike" force. General Healey commanded for five tours the U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam and also was commander of a airborne brigade for another tour. Was a mover and shaker among U.S. Special Ops in Nam [John Wayne told Mike Healey, "you do in real life what I do in the movies!!!!!".

coolbert.